12.31.10 Leek Croquettes
Happy New Year! I hope you have not yet begun your 2011 resolution of "eating healthy", because I have some cheesy goodness for you today. Fried and crunchy on the outside, the inside remains gooey—filled with buttery leeks, cheese, and spices. I really do love vegetables of all varieties, but put some fried cheese in front of me and you will get no complaints. Plus there are vegetables in these—leeks!
While our plans for tonight include a bit of relaxation after a busy few weeks (and me not going anywhere near the kitchen), I almost wish we were entertaining so I could make these! I can see these becoming my new favorite appetizer in the new year. Nearly all the steps can be done ahead of time, which is a must for me. The croquettes can be breaded and waiting in the fridge for guests (just slide them into the oil at the last minute). I would love to be greeted with warm, bite size croquettes!
3 large leeks, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
3 T butter
3 T flour
1/2 c milk + 3 T
1 c shredded Gruyere or Parmesan (I used a combination)
2 t fresh thyme leaves
3/4 t salt
1/2 t pepper
2 eggs, beaten
2 c bread crumbs
vegetable oil
In a large saute pan, melt 2 T butter, over medium heat. Stir in leeks, and cook 8 minutes, until beginning to brown. Add in 1 T butter, and melt. Whisk in flour and then milk, to combine well. Reduce heat to low, and stir in cheese, thyme, salt and pepper, until well combined. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl, and refrigerate 1-2 hours, until cold.
With your hands, form mixture into 24 balls (about 3/4" each in diameter). Place on a flat surface, and transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
In a large saute pan (with deep sides), add 1/4" vegetable oil. Heat over low, to 340-350F. Meanwhile dip each ball into the beaten eggs, and then into the breadcrumbs, rolling until well coated. Slide all 24 croquettes into the heated oil at once. With a slotted spoon, keep the croquettes turning, until all sides are golden brown. Remove croquettes from oil, and place on a paper towel or in a colander, to remove excess oil. Serve warm.
Reader Comments (20)
"With a slotted spoon, keep the coquettes turning" Ha ha!
oh goodness me! those look/sound/im sure are AMAZING!
I'm doing a party for my husband next week and I so wish I could make these! We will be in a space with only a microwave and a sink - no stove. Leeks are at the top of my vegetable favorites list and these look amazing. Happy New Year Erin! 2011 is going to be a big year for you!
What a cool idea! I love leeks but have never thought to crumb and fry them! How delicious!
gorgeous pictures! they look so good. I don't think I have ever seen a pic of an attractive frying situation, and you did it!
Oh my God - this sounds, and the photo looks absolutely amazing. I love things done "croquette" style and as someone else said, never would have thought of crumbing/frying them. Definitely going to add this to my list of things to try for next week!
Happy New Year ♥
Moltissimi Auguri
per uno splendido 2011
Ok, I'm back, and I just finished trying this - I gotta say - "Whoa" - this is like ... "amazing". I can't believe I never had this sort of combination before. I used Cantal cheese - it's a bit like cheddar, and the thyme really made it. Will totally be making this again - thanks for showing me the light that is cheesey, leekey, thymey goodness :D
I've been making zucchini croquettes these days with some almond flour and they are super yummy but I LOVE your idea of using leeks! I hope to get some at the market tomorrow! Beautiful macro shots by the way :)
I hope you are having a blessed new year so far!
Coco
If there's one thing you know how to do, it's croquettes! I make your chickpea ones all the time!
Can't wait to try these....
Happy 2011!
oxo
Oh my this makes me drool evetho i just had dinner not too long ago! I made leek soup this pass weekend and it turned out yummie. This looks really good and a must try. Ahhh i think i need to make a new list of "things to cook" for the new year! WIshing you LOVE and JOY this new year sweet friend! Thanks so much for all your love, support and blessing you always send my way! Have a lovely merry happy first week of 2011 and love to you!
oh me oh my - these sound scrumptious! pity my man doesn't eat much of the onion family - might try these out for our next dinner party :)
I'm not a huge fan of leeks but these look super delicious and I will have to try them. Thanks!
Please send me your address so I can give you a reason to make these. Please. Can I bring my hubbie and 3 year old, too? :)
Oh, the photographs make me hungry! Such a fun idea - maybe already for this weekend!
These look like just the thing to help me recover from strep throat!
I would totally break my new year's resolution for these! They look sooo good!
Mouth. Watering.
I am currently eating these as I type. The word that readily comes to mind is rich. They're so rich, I can barely eat four! But my goodness, are they amazingly delicious!! Thank you so much for such a great recipe! :)
Oh wow these look extremely addictive!!